Local

Officials downgrade burn ban across Yakima County

YRCAA NEWS RELEASE -- The current burn ban is downgraded to a Stage 1 burn ban for both upper and lower Yakima County Areas.

Although conditions remain poor, there has been enough improvement to justify a reduction from Stage 2 to a Stage 1 burn ban.

There is no agricultural burning allowed. Allocations are 0 piles per request for both upper and lower county Areas while the burn ban is in place

All outdoor residential burning continues to be prohibited until March 15, 2014.

During a Stage 1 burn ban, all outdoor burning, including residential and agricultural burning, is prohibited. The use of any fireplace, uncertified wood stove or uncertified fireplace insert is prohibited unless it is the only adequate means of heating a home.

No excessive smoke (over 20% opacity) is allowed from any wood burning device beyond a 20-minute start-up, and all violations of the burn ban are subject to civil penalty.